Scientists create internet connected biodegradable PAPER, which collects data without e-waste

Researchers in Japan have created a new kind of biodegradable, internet-connected piece of paper that's just one millimeter thick. Called nanopaper, the team believes it could change the way a wide variety of data is collected in nature. The project was developed at Osaka University's Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR) by a team of scientists led by doctoral researcher Takaaki Kasuga. The nanopaper is just one-1,000th the thickness of pulp paper and it has a smooth surface that's similar to plastic in texture, according to a report in The Asahi Shimbun. In spite of its feel, the nanopaper is designed to be biodegradable and have a minimal impact on the environment and not require any expensive maintenance. In tests, the nanopaper had degraded by around 95 percent after 40 days in the ground, and its metal parts had been covered in non-toxic rust.